ARTS & HUMANITIES

At the Davis Family YMCA, one can explore a variety of arts and humanities classes, all of which are taught by professionals in their fields. A diverse line up of visual and performance art classes are available, rounded out by several workshops and informal clubs.

Art Shows

Each year, four art shows are held at the GATY (Gallery at the Y), featuring invitational, benefit, and juried exhibits. When no shows are in progress, the GATY is used to display myriad other art, including instructor art.

Every other year, the Y participates in the Global Art Project for Peace, a UNESCO nominated international peace exchange. In the past, we have partnered with organizations from Australia, British Columbia, Canada, Cyprus, England, Iraq, Iran, Mexico, Morocco, and Senegal as well as several US states.

But I Know What I Like

The Davis Family YMCA will host its sixth annual juried art show in conjunction with National YMCA Arts Month. The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday, October 13, from 1 to 3 pm. As always, the show is free and open to the community, and will run October 13 through November 17. You will have the opportunity to meet the artists, partake of light refreshments, and enjoy music by “Classical Strings.” Awards will be presented at 2pm.

“But I Know What I Like” is open to any adult, amateur or professional within a 40 mile radius. The twist is that it is judged by non-experts, as in “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like!” Last year, 218 pieces from 90 local artists were located throughout the Y, downstairs and upstairs. Many of the pieces were available for purchase. A portion of each sale benefits the YMCA’s Annual Campaign and provides art scholarships for adults with disabilities.

Art entries will be accepted Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, at the Davis Family YMCA (10 am-5 pm Friday and 10 am-3:30 pm Saturday). Please read the prospectus for specifications, eligibility and entry fees. To download the PROSPECTUS, click HERE.

Proceeds from BIKWIL fund an annual art scholarship for an adult with neurological disabilities.

To read more about the show, please visit Gallery at the Y.

YMCA Student Art Show

Have you taken an art class at the Davis Family Y this year? If so, you are invited to be part of our Student Art Show featuring paintings, drawings and pottery created in adult classes.

Students may enter up to three pieces (preferably not ones shown in the BIKWIL Art Show). The Show is non-juried so there are no awards. We want to recognize those who are developing their talent at the Y and to encourage others to take part in the Arts & Humanities programs.

Art work submitted must be framed or have finished edges and be wired for hanging. Drop off will be in the Art Studio in the designated area. Please label the back of your work with name, title of the piece and contact info (plus an email address). Mark your work with a dollar amount or NFS (not for sale). 25% of any art that sells will go to the YMCA Annual Campaign.

FIVE Squared

The 2020 show ran from February 3 to February 29 and had its Opening Reception on Sunday, February 3, from 1:30-3 pm. This year, we had over 400 pieces of art donated by local, national, and international artists. Included were paintings, photographs, drawings, digital images, collages, mixed media, prints, jewelry and ceramics.

Art is hung anonymously, so you do not know whether the artist is a seasoned professional, an emerging artist or a true amateur.

Proceeds from the entire event go to our YMCA Annual Campaign which funds our ARTreach program for children who are seldom exposed to art. During the event’s history, more than $20,000 has been raised for ARTreach through the generosity of hundreds of local, national, and international contributors. Our ARTreach instructors provide free art classes to hundreds of children & families across the community, including those at the Rescue Mission, Beatitude House, Potters Wheel, Daybreak, YCS, YMHA, and the YWCA.

Our own Suzanne Gray creates a stunning FIVE Squared print each year to commemorate the event. It consists of a collage from photos of the artwork. The print sells for $10. To download the PROSPECTUS, click HERE.

View all of the work from 2020’s show

Like FIVE Squared on Facebook!

Centered: Slightly Off-Center

The Centered: Slightly Off-Center senior citizen art show is featured in the Lobby at the Davis Family YMCA during the month of June. The public was invited to meet artists from area assisted living and specialty care centers at the Artists’ Reception on Sunday, June 9. In addition to enjoying the paintings, guests are treated to light refreshments and entertainment by the Classical Strings Quartet.

Speak Your Peace Teen Art Show

Speak Your Peace invites students of any skill level to express themselves regarding teen issues and angst. Art allows the conveyance of feelings be they happy, sad, depressed, lonely, hopeful, or anything in between. Anyone who is currently in 9th-12th grade or equivalent is eligible to participate in the Speak Your Peace art show. Only original works completed while in high school are allowed to be submitted. We accept any skill level. This art show takes place at the Davis Family YMCA in the Lobby. To download the PROSPECTUS, click HERE.

Specifications

• All two dimensional pieces and small ceramics and sculptures will be accepted provided they are family friendly.
• 2-D pieces must be framed, wired, and ready to hang
• Maximum size 36” x 24” not to exceed 25 lbs
• All pieces labeled on the back top left hand corner